by Michael Jennings

Created on: July 29, 2009

Having roadside assistance: YES. Paying for roadside assistance: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Fact: When you purchase a new vehicle from a manufacturer's dealership, roadside is included for the life of the manufacturer's warranty, so you do not need to purchase the additional protection.
-This includes most major manufacturers. Consult your warranty booklet or dealership for more specific information.

-Many consumers do not know this and elect to continue their independent roadside coverage.
-This service is provided, through the manufacturer, 24/7 and utilizes local independent businesses to perform these services.
-These services include, but are not limited to, free towing, free lockout assistance, free fuel delivery, free tire change.

Fact: In order for dealerships to offer extended warranties, GAP coverage, Life and Disability, Tire and Wheel Protection, Theft Prevention, and many other products in the F&I Office, they have to be licensed and registered to sell insurance in their state, because all of these products are some form of insurance. Instead of selling an insurance product, the F&I Department sells Roadside Assistance and includes (at no additional cost) an extended service contract, or GAP coverage, etc... This allows them to, legally, circumvent the insurance licensing and registration requirements of their state because they are not technically "selling" insurance products.

The above two examples assume you are either purchasing a new vehicle, or a pre-owned vehicle that includes an extended service contract or GAP or some other F&I Product. But what if you are not in either of those categories? Roadside assistance can still be free, or very low-cost. Most consumers don't know that roadside assistance can be added to existing services they already use, and in most cases, for much less than buying it from AAA, or other independent services. First, contact your credit card companies, your cell phone company, your bank/credit union, and your insurance agent. It's worth the time to contact customer service and ask if there are roadside assistance plans available.

Don't forget to clarify a few very important services to ensure they are provided with your roadside assistance:
-Is it a referral service? Some companies only refer the tow truck to you while you still have to pay for the towing.
-Is there a mileage limit? If you break down 50 miles away from your home address, are you still covered? Some companies have mileage restrictions.
-Does it cover all motorized vehicles? Your coverage should also cover any motorcycles you have.

Is roadside assistance important? In this day and age when people can encounter danger on our country's highways and biways, having the assurance that help is on the way in a matter of minutes, instead of hours, can well be worth the time it takes to do your homework to insure you and your loved ones are covered.

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